Pickpockets and thieves in GTO

[CarolynK]

When I lived in Rome, and rode the public transportation, I often witnessed theft that was so slick you realized it after it was too late. Very often the first person stared straight ahead while his hands moved in and out of nearby pockets . The items left the tram with another passenger while the thief looked innocent and very well dressed. , and totally oblivious to any passenger who noticed something missing. Once I grabbed the hand of a thief, standing in front of my seat, the passenger noticed me but not the "innocent appearing" thief, and I'm sure I actually helped the thief by creating a distraction ! My language was not good enough then to explain.
A variation of this is for someone to cry that their wallet is missing. Everyone else checks for theirs so now the thief knows exactly where to pickpocket everyone else.
I saw a couple waiting to exit a subway in Paris , the man beside the girl was going through her purse .....I thought they were together as no one else was nearby and he left when she did. I saw her on the platform realize her purse was open as he disappeared.
In Italy I was surrounded by 3 young children with cardboard signs also in Rome , pushing into me . I knew the routine , shoved one away, grabbed the wrists of two. . Instantly all activity stopped, a man appeared lecturing the kids on being bad and wanted to. Chase them away. I did not let go, rather asked what they had taken. Silently with no apparent motion items taken from my bag started dropping to the ground. I just said what else and more things dropped, not mine. With the man still scolding the kids, ( their lookout I'm sure) I let them take off.
In Chicago getting a train I was blocked going through a door while someone else pushed me forward and opened my backpack. I saved money, tickets and travel docs that time because I had heard of this ploy.
The spilled goop on your clothes while a helpful person cleans you up has happened to two older men I know here. I have found travel tips about theft scams on line and know many of them, but they are very good.
Again, just be very very careful as we become more of a tourist Mecca and are outside more in the good weather. I have escaped often but not every time.